Friendships become better when they are characterized by partnership, not just proximity. Relationships that grow deep are committed to being together, and not just near; with, and not just next to.

Friendships are like partnerships. When there is a level of mutual commitment and contribution to a common purpose and other people, it leads to something more than you could have on your own!

Over and over, Jesus invites his friends to partner with Him and with others. John 6:5-13 tells of a story of Jesus inviting partnership with and for people. "Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do."

It began with an invitational question. Then continues, "Philip replied, "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money to feed them!" Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" A little kid contributes what he has, and Jesus is about to bring what He has. Watch what happens.

"Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves."

Here are 3 reasons why friendship is better as partnership looking at the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000!

Jesus invites you to partner with Him in things you couldn't do without Him. When you jump in and bring what you have and let others and Jesus bring what they have, more happens than anyone could have hoped for or imagined!
More than clinging to your way or my way, finding our way together is actually a better way! How will you make room to blend your contribution with the contribution of others?
Friendship as partnership is the joy of being with each other, doing something meaningful together - doing, experiencing, being something that you could never have done on your own.

Jesus invites you into partnership with the Holy Spirit and with people who have His Spirit. Where can you both invite and offer contribution with God and others this week?

3 Reasons Why Friendship Is Better As Partnership!